Civic and Social Organizations

People who settled in Nevada
were generally intent upon making a living and establishing a home.
But once new residents settled into a comfortable routine, they often established
civic and social organizations. Some of these groups or clubs provided
companionship for members. Some groups organized to improve living
conditions in their town. Temperance, or the campaign against alcoholic
beverages, was a common interest for many people in the 19th and early
20th centuries. The Sons and Daughters of Temperance organized to
fight alcohol and drunkenness on the Comstock. It was a difficult
task; there were many breweries and saloons in Virginia City and most mining
communities.

Other groups were organized
to provide opportunities for social gatherings, as well a community improvement.
Fraternal organizations such as the Elks, the Masons, the Oddfellows, and
others, raised money for worthy causes while providing social affairs.
The Knights of Pythias had their own building for
meetings and social events.

In 1905, women in the Las
Vegas area established the Hostess Club. Members brought sewing implements
to each meeting to sew for the hostess, and did charitable work for the
needy. The Goldfield Women's Club was founded for the purposes of
literary advancement and philanthropy. Members of that club gathered
and distributed food and clothes in the community.